Noticed my shovel angle was off after watching a pro at a job site

I was doing a retaining wall for a client in Oak Park last Tuesday. Old guy named Hank had his crew working next door. I watched him for 5 minutes. He kept his shovel nearly flat to the ground. I always dig at a steep 45 degree angle. Tried his way on the next row of dirt. Cut my time by half for each scoop. My back didn't hurt that night either. Anyone else pick up a tiny trick from watching someone who's been doing it 30 years?

2 comments

2 Comments

michaeltorres15h agoRising Star

Four bucks says you just had bad form.

ryan_barnes6h ago

@michaeltorres might've called it bad form but sounds like Hank just knew a better angle for the job. Flat shovel saves your back if you let the blade do the work instead of your spine.